Gaza war's shockwaves and Singapore's approach to racial and religious harmony

An Israeli academic suggests that the Republic offers an intellectual challenge, including for his own country.

- Giora Eliraz

In a highly challenging geopolitical and multicultural reality, the concept of social harmony and cohesion, with an emphasis on racial and religious harmony as a foundational value and basis for national existence, has become rooted in Singapore.

This leading value is translated into a broad and successful socio-political effort guided by significant messages, such as the importance of tolerance, dialogue, mutual acceptance, and respect.

Moreover, it is strongly stressed that this peace and harmony achieved in Singapore should not be taken for granted. This obligates not only ongoing activity but sharp vigilance on the part of all.

Indeed, for almost the last six decades, Singapore has astutely and successfully navigated a complex geopolitical and demographic situation: a small, city-state with no strategic depth, located in a Muslim-majority region.

MAINTAINING SOCIAL HARMONY

Singapore, which understands the critical importance of maintaining the rich fabric of multiculturalism, keeps a close and watchful eye even on developments far from its shores that could negatively affect it. Not surprisingly, therefore, in the aftermath of the barbarous Hamas terror attack on Oct 7 and the Israeli military campaign that began immediately thereafter, Singapore's shrewd sociopolitical senses responded powerfully, fearing that shockwaves would reach the island state.

In response to developments, the authorities in Singapore relayed messages: the importance of social harmony and the need to ensure that the conflict in the Middle East does not stir up emotions, including as a result of false information disseminated on social media; the years-long harmony and tranquillity are not to be taken for granted, and therefore citizens must stay vigilant and notify the authorities on suspicious activities; identity politics must be avoided; and laws and societal norms must be observed in order to maintain harmony.